Method for controlling several apparatuses with the aid of a link attached device and said link attached device for carrying out said method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of control of at least one electronic appliance with the aid of a distant device such as a remote control. The device comprises means of control, typically the keys of a keypad and a means of selection of an appliance from among several. The method comprises the following steps: activation of the device in a first mode where the means of control preferentially command the appliance selected by the means of selection, programming of at least one association between a means of control and an appliance, and activation of the associations so that the activation of a means of control commands the appliance associated during the programming step. The invention also relates to a device able to implement the method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 365 ofInternational Application PCT/EP03/50642, filed Sep. 19, 2003, which waspublished in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Apr. 8, 2004 in Frenchand which claims the benefit of French patent application No. 0211954,filed Sep. 27, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Background

Numerous electronic appliances can receive signals transmitted by aremote control, thereby allowing a user to command these appliancesremotely. Generally, these appliances are used in the multimedia field,for example: a television receiver, a video recorder, a DVD reader, adecoder, an amplifier, an audio CD reader, etc. The remote controls canalso command computing appliances (for example PCs, printers, scanners,etc.) or home automation appliances (any domestic appliances linked orotherwise to a domestic network). The remote control is furnished withdedicated keys and with general-purpose keys (for example, those of thenumerical pad). The dedicated keys allow the user to dispatch a commandto the appliance, this command may be related directly to a specificfunction of the appliance such as control of the sound volume, contrastof the image, switch on or switch off, etc. The command may also be usedby the user interface as a navigation element such as: shifting of thecursor, calling up of a menu, selection of an element highlighted on adisplay facility. The remote controls may also be furnished with asensitive surface where the keys appear as shapes displayed on agraphics surface, an LCD screen displaying icons for example. The remotecontrols transmit a packet of signals containing an identification codefor the appliance to be controlled and the code of the activated keycorresponding to a command. The signal transmitted is optical (infraredfor example), radio electric (with the aid of a wire), audible(ultrasound) or any other medium for transmitting digital data.

The generalization of remote controls for numerous appliances entailsmultiplication of the former. Let us assume a multimedia installationcomprising a television receiver, a decoder, a video recorder, a DVDreader and an amplifier, the user has at its disposal five remotecontrols forming a cumbersome collection, the user often choosing thewrong one. To solve these problems, the user can equip himself with auniversal remote control capable of commanding several appliances. Thechoice of the appliance to be commanded is performed for example withthe aid of a switch having several positions or by pushbuttonsassociated with each appliance, the last pushbutton activated selectingthe appliance to be controlled. Therefore, universal remote controls aremore onerous to use than remote controls dedicated to a single appliancesince, before transmitting a command, it is routinely necessary tospecify which appliance the user wants to control. Hence, before theactivation of a key of such a remote control, this key must beassociated with the desired appliance.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,326—GOLDSTEIN describes a remote controlallowing several appliances to be commanded in succession through achange of mode. It is furnished with a touch screen displaying iconsthat the user can select to execute commands. It is also furnished withmeans of connection for downloading an application suitable for thecontrol of an appliance in particular. With the aid of a menu, the userselects the application corresponding to the appliance that he wants tocontrol, then issues commands to this appliance. Hence the remotecontrol described in this document does not possess a special mode wherethe user can control several appliances, without needing to select eachappliance beforehand for each command.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,961—STACY describes a programmable remotecontrol making it possible to control several appliances of differentmake and function. It is furnished with five LED diodes indicating theappliance to which the action in progress is relevant and with a meansof entering a code for selecting the appliance according to make andfunction. A button makes it possible to select a determined appliance byswitching on one of the LED diodes, neither therefore can the remotecontrol command several appliances in a special mode, without needing toselect each appliance beforehand for each command.

Recently, a subsidiary of the applicant manufacturing remote controlshas produced associations of appliances/functions limited to certainvery specific cases. For example, when the multimedia installationcomprises a television receiver and an audio amplifier, the sound volumecontrol can be effected at amplifier level or at television receiverlevel. The remote controls, called “Plasma”, manufactured by thesubsidiary of the applicant are identical for these two differentappliances, they are furnished with a selector for assigning the remotecontrol to a determined type of appliance. Depending on the position ofthe selector, the signals transmitted are intended for the applianceselected by the selector. However, this remote control is capable ofdispatching sound control signals with the aid of its “SOUND+” and“SOUND−” keys to different appliances. To do this, in accordance withthe instructions for using this remote control, the user must hold the“MENU” key and at the same time press the keys “9”, “9”, “9” to assignthe television receiver sound command or press the keys “9”, “9”, “0” toassign the control of sound to the amplifier. The assignment is recordedin a non-volatile memory, there is no need to repeat the operation eachtime. For example, when the selector is positioned to VCR, the “SOUND+”and “SOUND−” keys control either the television receiver, or theamplifier and the keys from 1 to 9 and the Program+ and Program− keyscontrol the change of stations on the video recorder.

Another example relates to “Plasma” remote controls used to control DVDreaders, video recorders or television sets, which are also manufacturedby the subsidiary of the applicant. These remote controls possess the“PLAY”, “STOP”, “REV”, “FWD” and “PAUSE” keys intended for controllingthe reading of a medium such as a video magnetic cassette or a DVD disc.When the selector is in the “TV” position, the appliance for which thesignals transmitted during the activation of one of the keys areintended depends on the previous position of the selector. If the userhas previously toggled the selector from the “VCR” position to “TV”, theactivation of one of these keys controls the video recorder. If thisselector was in the “DVD” position before “TV”, the activation of one ofthese keys controls the DVD disc reader.

These preceding examples show that it is known practice to associatekeys with certain appliances on an ad hoc basis. However thisassociation requires a complex operating sequence that the user does notalways remember. Moreover, the associations are limited to very specificcases defined by the original manufacturer, thereby limiting thepossibilities offered to the user.

The invention proposes a novel procedure for programming the functionsof a remote control and a novel remote control solving the problems ofthe prior art, offering enhanced control possibilities and a simple andflexible way of commanding several appliances at the same time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of control of at least one electronicappliance with the aid of a distant device such as a remote controlcomprising means of controlling and a means of selection of an appliancefrom amongst several, said method comprising a step of activating thedevice in a first mode where the means of control preferentially commandthe appliance selected by the means of selection,

wherein it furthermore comprises:

-   -   a step of programming at least one association between a means        of control and an appliance,    -   a step of activating the device in a second mode so as to render        active all the associations performed during the programming        step, said activating step being triggered by the means of        selection.

In this way, the user programs as many associations as he desiresbetween commands corresponding to keys of his control device and thevarious appliances. Then, when he activates the associations by placingthe device in a special mode, he can issue commands to variousappliances by merely pressing the key corresponding to the desiredcommand without having beforehand to modify the switch for selectingappliances so as to set it to the target appliance. Outside of thisparticular mode, the great majority of the keys control a singledetermined appliance.

According to a refinement, the method comprises a step of commandingassociations during the programming step. Certain associations areprohibited and may not be carried out during this step, therebyprecluding during the activation step the transmission of a signal to anappliance that may not execute the command.

According to another refinement, the method comprises a step ofdisplaying a visual identifier of the appliance selected, when thedevice is in the second mode and when the user enters a command byactivating the key associated with this appliance. The visual identifierreminds the user of which appliance the command is intended for.

According to another refinement, the device uses several sets ofassociations, each set being identifiable by a code. For example, a setof associations is tied to a user in particular. This user enters hiscode and when the device is in the second mode, the associations betweenthe keys and the appliances are those that this user had previouslyprogrammed. The sets can also be associated with particular rooms of theresidence, or else with a certain favoured type of appliance.

According to another refinement, the programming of the associations fora determined appliance is performed by firstly specifying the applianceand then indicating all the keys associated with this appliance oneafter the other. In this way, in a single go the user enters all theassociations for an appliance before passing to another appliance, thisbeing practical in particular when a new appliance is added to theothers. A variant consists in doing the reverse: firstly the userchooses a key to be programmed, and then he successively selects theappliances that he wishes to associate with this key and which it willthereafter be possible to control with the latter.

The invention is also directed to a device for the remote control of aplurality of electronic appliances, comprising means of control and ameans of selection of an appliance from among the plurality, the wholecollection of means of control commanding in a favoured manner theappliance selected by the means of selection,

characterized in that it comprises:

-   -   a means of programming of at least one association between at        least one means of control and at least one appliance,    -   a means of activation of all the associations programmed so that        each associated means of control commands at least one appliance        which is associated therewith by the programming means.

According to a first refinement, the means of activation uses aparticular position of the selector that it is easy for the user to tag.In this way, the device no longer controls the selected appliancevisibly but is in a state where all the associations are activated.

According to another refinement, the device comprises a means ofselection of a key and a means of selection of several appliances, sothat the key selected can control several appliances at one and the sametime. Conversely and according to a variant, the device comprises ameans of selection of an appliance and a means of selection of severalkeys at one and the same time, so that during programming, the user neednot select the same appliance each time when he creates the associationsrelevant thereto.

According to another refinement, the device comprises a means of commandof the programming of the associations, certain associations beingprohibited. In this way, the device indicates during programming whetherthe association is or is not possible, thereby avoiding surprises duringthe activation and the use of the associations. According to anotherrefinement, the device comprises a touch screen, whereon are displayedthe various keys permitted to be associated with a previously selectedappliance. A variant consists in the touch screen displaying the variousappliances permitted to be associated with a previously selected key.

According to another refinement, the control device comprises a means ofdisplay for identifying the appliance or appliances of the pluralitywhich is/are associated with the key currently activated when the deviceis in a second mode. Advantageously, the visual identifier is integratedinto the means of selection.

According to another refinement, the means of selection consists of aswitch having as many positions as appliances to be commanded plus aposition activating the programmed associations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will now becomeapparent with greater details within the framework of the descriptionwhich follows of exemplary embodiments given by way of illustrationwhilst referring to the appended figures which represented:

FIG. 1 presents a diagram of an internal architecture of the mainelements of a remote control according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a remote control according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a flowchart representing the main steps for the implementationof an exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing the main steps for the implementationof a refinement of the present exemplary embodiment of the inventionillustrated by FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 represents the main elements constituting an appliance controlmodule according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, typicallya remote control. The remote control 1 is furnished: with a central unit2 embodied for example in the form of a microprocessor, controlling theother elements: a memory 3 containing the executable program and data,advantageously, the memory 3 may be integrated into the microprocessor1, a communication interface 4 for the shaping (modulation,amplification, etc.) of the signals transmitted by the remote controldestined for the various appliances. The interface is connected to aninfrared signals transmitter 5. Advantageously, the interface 4 can alsobe integrated into the microprocessor. The integration of the memory 3and of the interface 4 is possible using a microcontroller as centralunit 1.

The remote control is furnished with a keypad 6 which comprises acollection of keys electrically linking columns and rows (notrepresented) to the central unit 2, the executable program of the memory3 comprises a module for decoding the rows and columns making itpossible to determine the code of the key depressed on the keypad 6.According to the present exemplary embodiment, the keypad 6 comprises inparticular the “CONFIGURATION” key and other keys such as: “SOUND+”,“SOUND−”, “PLAY”, “MUTE”, etc. The remote control is powered by abattery 7 supplying the energy for operation; a contact-less type powersupply via photo-voltaic cells for example is also possible. The remotecontrol is furnished with a selector 8 comprising several positions,this selector allowing the user to choose between several appliancessuch as a television receiver, a video recorder, an amplifier, etc. Aposition of this selector activates the “MULTI” mode which makes itpossible to control several appliances at one and the same time. Avariant consists in replacing the selector 8 with a collection of keysof the keypad 6, the number of keys of the collection being equal tothat of the positions of the selector 8. A second variant consists incombining the two: a selector for selecting the appliance and a key foractivating the “MULTI” mode. The key being of higher priority than theselector, to exit the “MULTI” mode, it is necessary either to press thekey a second time or to change the position of the selector 8.Optionally and according to a refinement which will be detailed later,the remote control 1 is furnished with visual indicators 9, typicallyLED diodes of different colours whose roles will be detailed later.

A variant to the selector 8 comprising several positions consists inusing a pushbutton and several LED type pilot lights. With each pilotlight representing an appliance, the pressing of the button turns offthe LED that is on and turns on the next one, and so on and so forth,forming a procession. Through the indication of the pilot light beingon, the user knows the appliance selected.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the organization of the keys such as are atthe user's disposal on the upper face of the remote control.Advantageously, the shape of the keys depends on their functions, thusthe “SOUND+” and “SOUND−” keys are grouped together as a toggle withthree positions, the middle position of which is the null position. Thefour direction keys form arrows oriented in four directions. The Off/Onbutton of an appliance is easily distinguished. The selector 8 forchoosing the various appliances and activating the “MULTI” mode isrepresented by a collection of keys in FIG. 2. The “CONFIGURATION” keysituated in proximity to the selector 8 is clearly identified. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, when the selector is set to the “MULTI”position, FIG. 2 shows examples of associations between commandsactivated by keys and specific appliances: the “SOUND+” and “SOUND−”command buttons are associated with the audio amplifier, the “program+”and “program−” buttons and the numerical pad are associated with thedecoder, and the “PLAY”, “PAUSE”, “FAST FORWARD”, “FAST REWIND”, “STOP”buttons are associated with the DVD reader. In the example of FIG. 2,the navigation buttons are not associated with any appliance andtherefore have no effect in the MULTI position.

After having shown the various elements allowing the embodiment of anexample of a control module, we shall now detail how these elementscooperate.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart representing the main steps for theimplementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Initially,in step 3.1, the selector 8 is positioned to any appliance whatsoever,this allowing the remote control 1 to command it preferentially, that isto say the majority of the keys command this appliance, and this is thestandard mode. In step 3.2, the user presses the “CONFIGURATION” keythereby activating the execution of a special module of the executableprogram contained in the memory 3. In the course of step 3.2, the userprograms the associations between commands and appliances. In the courseof this step, the remote control does not transmit any infrared signals.Then in step 3.3, the user exits the configuration step by pressing the“CONFIGURATION” key a second time, the remote control can once againcommand the appliance determined by the position of the selector 8, asin step 3.1. In step 3.4, the user positions the selector 8 to “MULTI”mode. Following this action, the remote control is in a mode where allthe associations programmed during step 3.2 are activated. Next (in step3.5), when the user again wishes to control any one appliance bydeploying all the functions available on the remote control 1, hechanges the active position of the selector 8 and, positions it to thisappliance, the behaviour of the remote control is the same as in step3.1.

The switch to configuration mode can be performed in various ways. Thatdescribed hereinabove is an example, it consists of a button whichactivates the mode upon the first press and deactivates it upon thesecond press. A variant consists in the remote control being inconfiguration mode as long as the “CONFIGURATION” button is depressed.The user presses a control key, thereby creating the association betweenthis command and the appliance corresponding to the current position ofthe selector 8. In this way, inadvertent pressing of the “CONFIGURATION”button does not run the risk of creating a new association accidentally.Another variant consists in prolonged pressing (at least five seconds)of a control key allowing an association between the commandcorresponding to the key depressed and the appliance corresponding tothe current position of the selector 8. This variant avoids theinstallation of a CONFIGURATION key on the remote control. Otherprocesses are conceivable which do not depart from the subject matter ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 presents a flowchart of the operations to be performed in thecourse of step 3.2 of configuring the associations. In step 3.2.1, theuser presses the “CONFIGURATION” key. Then in step 3.2.2, the userselects an appliance by positioning the selector 8. Next, in step 3.2.3,the user chooses a command by pressing the corresponding key, a “SOUND+”function key for example. Consequent upon these two operations, in step3.2.4, the executable program associates the selected appliance with thecommand corresponding to the key depressed. The associations arerecorded in a non-volatile part (of EEPROM type for example) of thememory 3 in the form of a table, the so-called “table of associations”of which this is the general structure:

TABLE 1 Command Appliance code 1A - “SOUND+” 03 1B - “SOUND−” 03 45 -“PLAY” 02 54 - “Off” 01 57 - “On” 01 B0 - “Program−” 01 B1 - “Program+”01

The code of the command is advantageously that of the corresponding key.Table 1 performs the association of the codes in hexadecimal of keys andappliances. According to the example of the table above, the code of thetelevision receiver is “01”, that of the DVD reader is “02” and that ofthe amplifier is “03”. The data of the table define that in MULTI modethe “Off”, “On”, “Program+” and “Program−” commands control thetelevision receiver, the “PLAY” command controls the DVD reader and the“SOUND+” and “SOUND−” commands control the amplifier.

If in step 3.2.5, the user presses the “CONFIGURATION” key a second timethe remote control exits the configuration mode while freezing the table1 of associations. The table of associations will not be modifiableother than by returning to configuration mode. If the user activates theselector 8, either by pressing a pushbutton if the selector consists ofpushbuttons, or by changing the position of the switch if the selectoris embodied on the basis of such an element, the program loops to step3.2.2 again and the user can perform another association. As a variant,steps 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 can be reversed, the user can thus first choose akey before associating it with an appliance.

A first refinement consists in transmitting the codes of the key toseveral appliances by multiplexing the signals and by transmitting themin repetitive bursts. In this case, table 1 can contain several codes ofappliances for one and the same key. For example, if in the rowcorresponding to the “Off” key coded 56, the three appliances (coded 01,02 and 03) are associated with this key, then the remote control canturn off the three appliances together. As a variant, the table ofassociations can exhibit one appliance per row, and all the codes of thekeys associated with this appliance form a list contained in the secondcolumn of the table.

A refinement, represented by the dashed elements in FIG. 4 consists inmaking the program loop to step 3.2.3 so as to assign all the commandsto one and the same appliance without having to designate the lattereach time. The program tests in step 3.2.6 whether the user selects acommand by pressing a key or whether he selects an appliance with theaid of the selector 8. In the first case, the program jumps to step3.2.3 to perform a new association of a new command with the sameappliance as before. In the second case, the program jumps to step 3.2.2to perform a new association of a new key with a new appliance.

Another refinement consists in prohibiting certain associations. Toprohibit such associations the table 1 is modified to contain a newcolumn:

TABLE 2 Command code (key) Appliance code Prohibited appliance code 1A -“SOUND+” 03 02 1B - “SOUND−” 03 02 45 - “PLAY” 02 01, 03 56 - “Off” 0157 - “On” 01 B0 - “Program−” 01 02, 03 B1 - “Program+” 01 02, 03

The third column is programmed by the manufacturer of the remote controland is not modifiable. According to the example given by the valuesabove, if the user in the course of the configuration step 3.2associates the “PLAY” command with an audio amplifier, or with thetelevision receiver, this association not being possible, the remotecontrol transmits a visual or audible indication to the user, indicatingan error. Typically, the “CONFIGURATION” key may not be associated withan appliance in particular, any attempt to associate with this key isdoomed to fail. The visual indication is typically the flashing of oneof the indicators 9 in red. The association is then not recorded in thememory. If the remote control is furnished with a touch screen, afterthe selection of an appliance, in a particularly advantageous manner,only the icons or the graphical representations of the permitted keysappear. Thus in a very simple manner, the user immediately sees on hiskeypad/touch screen the associations which can be programmed. A variantconsists in the indication of an attempted prohibited association beingsignalled by a beeper emitting a brief sound.

Another refinement consists in defining several sets of associations. Itis thus possible to associate a set with a determined user during theconfiguration step, this user creates his own associations. It is alsopossible to associate a set with a favoured appliance, for example theDVD or the VCR, according to one or other case the “PLAY”, “STOP”,“REV”, “FWD”, and “PAUSE” commands are intended to control the DVD orthe VCR while other keys control other appliances. It is also possibleto associate a set with a determined room of a residence, the step ofconfiguration of such a set takes into account the appliances present inthe room.

For this purpose, and in a manner known per se, the remote controlpossesses a means of entry of a code identifying a set, this means isfor example a special key that the user depresses, then he enters a codewhich is generally a digit from 0 to 9 or a code with several digitsusing the keys from 0 to 9, to identify the set. This code identifieseach column of the table of associations. The table of associations thentakes the following structure:

TABLE 3 Command code Appliance code by set (key) Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 41A - “SOUND+” 03 01 01 01 1B - “SOUND−” 03 01 01 01 45 - “PLAY” 02 02 0202 56 - “Off” 01 01, 02 01, 02, 03 02 57 - “On” 01 01, 02 01, 02, 03 02B0 - “Program−” 01 01 01 01 B1 - “Program+” 01 01 01 01

During the configuration step, the associations entered are recorded inthe column corresponding to the identified set. In the example of table3 described hereinabove, four sets of associations are already entered.When a user places the remote control in MULTI mode, he next enters thecode of a set after pressing the “special key”, then the remote controlsearches through the column of the corresponding set to extract theright associations.

A variant of the latter refinement consists in deploying a selector 8possessing several MULTI positions, typically three. These threepositions are each associated with a specific set of associations.Another process consists in deploying a second selector presenting theuser with various numerals. In the MULTI position, this second selectormakes it possible to select a set of associations from amongst several.

Another refinement consists in associating one of the visual indicators9 of the remote control with each appliance. These indicators aretypically LED diodes which, for economic reasons, the remote controlturns on only for a determined duration, five seconds for example oronly the duration of pressing. The LED diode is placed just beside theappliance name screen-printed on the front face. When a user places theremote control in MULTI mode and then depresses a key, if one or moreassociations between this key and at least one appliance has been madeduring the configuration step 3.2, then the pilot light or lightscorresponding to the appliances associated with this key are lit up. Inthis way, the user who does not always remember what he has programmedcan immediately see which appliance is controlled by this key. Apreferred exemplary embodiment consists in the selector 8 beingconstructed with as many pushbuttons as appliances and a two-positionswitch. The pushbuttons which make it possible to select an appliancecontain a pilot light in their body. The switch makes it possible toactivate or otherwise the MULTI mode, the position of the switch allowsthe user to immediately see whether or not he is in MULTI mode. When theuser toggles the switch to return to normal mode, the appliance selectedbefore the MULTI mode is again selected and its pilot light is lit up.

Another refinement consists in implementing a RESET function or functionfor erasing an association or a set of association. A first processconsists in installing an “ERASE” key. In configuration mode, the usermakes the same association as that programmed then presses the “ERASE”button, the association is then erased from the memory. A second processconsists in deploying a RESET button which erases the entire memorycontaining the table of associations. A third process, advantageous ifusing a remote control with a touch screen, consists in using a menuwhich makes it possible easily to read out the associations performedand to erase them selectively.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theparticular embodiments illustrated, it is in no way limited by theseembodiments, but is so merely by the appended claims. It will be notedthat changes or modifications may be made by the person skilled in theart.

1. A method of control of at least two electronic appliances with theaid of a remote device comprising means of control and a means ofselection of an appliance from a plurality of appliances, wherein themethod comprises the steps: programming at least two associationsbetween at least two means of control and at least two appliances ofsaid plurality of appliances, activating the device in a first modewhere the appliance selected by the means of selection is controlled bythe means of control according to associations that are not programmedduring the step of programming, activating the device in a second modewherein at least two appliances are continuously controlled by the meansof control according to the associations performed during theprogramming step, said activating in the second mode being triggered byinputting a command on the means of selection, and re-activating thedevice in a first mode by inputting a new command on the means ofselection.
 2. The method of control as claimed in claim 1, wherein themethod comprises a step of commanding associations during theprogramming step prohibiting the programming of prohibited associations.3. The method of control as claimed in claim 2, wherein an attempt toprogram a prohibited association triggers the transmission of an alertsignal.
 4. The method of control as claimed in claim 1, wherein themethod comprises a step of displaying a visual identifier of anappliance, the visual identifier of an appliance being displayed whenthe device is in the second mode and when a user activates a means ofcontrol associated with the appliance.
 5. The method of control asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the programming step comprises selecting anappliance and selecting several means of control, the means of controlbeing associated with the selected appliance.
 6. The method of controlas claimed in claim 1, wherein the programming step comprises selectinga means of control and selecting several appliances the selectedappliances being associated with the means of control.
 7. The method ofcontrol as claimed in claim 1, wherein the programming step makes itpossible to define at least one set of associations, and wherein themethod comprises a step of selecting a set of associations making itpossible to activate the set when the device is in the second mode.
 8. Adevice for remote control of at least two electronic appliances,comprising means of control and a means of selection of an appliancefrom a plurality of electronic appliances, each means of control beingassociated with a code predefined in the device, wherein said devicecomprises: a means of programming at least two associations between atleast two means of control and at least two appliances amongst theplurality of appliances, a means of activation of the device in a firstmode wherein the appliance selected by the means of selection iscontrolled by the means of control according to associations that arenot programmed by the means of programming, the activating of the devicein the first mode being triggered by inputting a command on the means ofselection, a means of activation of the device in a second mode whereinthe programmed associations are activated and wherein at least twoappliances are continuously controlled by the means of control accordingto the associations performed by the programming means, the activatingof the device in a second mode being triggered by inputting a command onthe means of selection.
 9. The control device as claimed in claim 8,wherein the means of programming comprises a means of commanding theassociations prohibiting the programming of prohibited associations. 10.The control device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control devicecomprises a means of transmitting a visual or audible alert signalduring an attempt to program a prohibited association.
 11. The controldevice as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device comprises ameans of display of an identifier of the appliance, said means ofdisplay of an identifier of the appliance being activated when a meansof control associated with the appliance is activated.
 12. The controldevice as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control device comprises ameans of display of an identifier of the appliance, the means of displaybeing integrated into the means of selection of an appliance.
 13. Thecontrol device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means of programmingselects at least one appliance from the plurality of appliances and thenspecifies keys of the control means that are associated with theselected appliance.
 14. The control device as claimed in claim 8,wherein the programming means selects a key of the means of control tobe programmed and then selects appliances to be associated with theselected key.
 15. The control device as claimed in claim 9, wherein thecontrol device comprises a touch screen displaying the permittedassociations.
 16. The control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein thecontrol device comprises a means of selection of at least one set ofassociations, the programming means being adapted to program the set ofassociations selected by said means of selection, and in that the meansof activation activates only the associations of the selected set. 17.The control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means of selectionof an appliance comprises a switch including as many positions asappliances to be commanded plus a position activating the programmedassociations.
 18. The control device as claimed in claim 17, wherein themeans of selection of a set of associations comprises a switch includingas many positions as sets, the means of selecting sets being activatedwhen the means of selection of an appliance is in the positionactivating the associations.